LIGHTS OF THE NORTH-CHANNEL. 
385 
ther on the rocks of Skerivore, lying fifteen or 
sixteen miles to the SW. of Tiree Island, and 
abounding with dangers, would be a valuable 
safeguard to vessels making the land from the 
westward, and entering the channel, or contend¬ 
ing with adverse winds within it *. 
* The danger of the Skerivore is of no ordinary nature. 
Though some of these rocks are above water, and may be 
seen at the distance of four leagues, in clear weather ; yet 
“ there is a rock, dry at half-ebb, near a mile east of it: and' 
another rock lying WSWJ\V from it, about 2i miles, also 
drying at half-ebb.” This rock is fifteen miles from Tiree, 
the only conspicuous land; and half way between it and 
Tiree, “ lies Boinshly Rock, which is very dangerous, being 
seldom uncovered.” These rocks, which greatly impede 
and endanger the navigation of the North Channel, would 
be much less formidable, were there a good light on the 
Skerivore. It would be also desirable, that the lights be 
produced by gas derived from oil, not merely for the en¬ 
couragement of our fisheries, but because of this light being 
the most brilliant and effective that could be employed in 
this way. 
It is the intention, I understand, of the Commissioners of 
the Northern Light-houses, to have a light-house on the Ske¬ 
rivore ; but as it is expected to prove an expensive under¬ 
taking, it is to be apprehended that it will be some years 
before it is erected. Another light designed by the Commis¬ 
sioners, is, I am informed, to be placed upon the Runs of 
Isla. This will, no doubt, be of great use to the navigation ; 
and may, perhaps, answer in place of a light on Rachlin, 
b b 
